First weeks back in Moshi

Kili came out to say hi on the ride home from the airport

From the minute I arrived back in Tanzania, it has been super busy - unpacking and washing, meeting new teachers, a new school building and classroom to set up from scratch, an assignment for Masters due in less than a week, as well as all the normal preparation needed to start a new school year.

Up until now, Hope has been renting a building but have now purchased land and built a brand new school!  It is all super exciting but stress levels were pretty high as there was so much to finish before school started.  Here is how it looked just over two weeks ago:

The upper grades block (3rd to 9th grade) + staff room and library

Another two classrooms (this won't be finished until next year)

Looking across to the lower grades block (Nursery- 2nd grade)

My huge massive amazing classroom in need of decorating

It's about triple the size of the room I had last year!

 It's amazing how much can be achieved when the pressure is on.  Some classrooms started without windows and still don't have ceiling boards, doors or electricity, but somehow when the kids arrive it just becomes a beautiful place to be.  I'm so happy to be teaching the same amazing students I had last year, with a few extras as well.  We are still waiting on some desks but are making do for now :)  Here are some pics after all the decorating and preparations:

Door into my classroom......

Ta da!  Check out the huge chalkboard!  

I have more students this year....there is no way they would have fitted in last year's classroom!

Walkway in upper grades block

View of the classroom buildings from the eating area

Huge new soccer field!

Admin block + Essie the van (Bessie has died...RIP Bessie)

Front gate + preschool playground

I haven't taken any student pics yet, but I'm sure my blog will be full of school photos for the next few months!  I could write so much about school related stuff but will leave that for another time.
God bless!